Miss Bee's Haven

Catching a Summer Breeze

2011-08-16T19:30:00.004-04:00

There are gentle ladies who enjoy the ambiance of sitting beside a fountain,

catching a summer breeze and soothing sounds of flowing water.

...and then, there is Claudie...

...who, along with her girls, has fun getting into

and out of a fountain before getting caught!

CC, me, Wendy, Jeanne and Claudie

just trying to catch a summer breeze

and have some fun while doing it!

This is what we did when on a side trip to hot, humid Montreal

while visiting our bubbly Claudette

at her home in Plantagenet, Ontario, Canada

It was a week-long party with old friends and new friends.

Lots of photos were taken,

so keep in touch with Miss Bee

to see more!

Our Julie from Vancouver, British Columbia.

Can you beat this heat?

2011-07-20T21:47:00.007-04:00

Ahhh!...that's better!

A Girlfriend's Get-Away!

2011-07-16T21:49:00.011-04:00

How inconsiderate of me to not say "Good-bye" when I last was here. But, then, I really didn't know at that time I would be gone so long.

Time seems to have passed so quickly this summer. I've been away some. Barbados was our big trip so far this year. However, an upcoming trip to Canada is now the most exciting thing to happen.

Five blogging gals are going to Canada to visit Claudie at her sweet riverside cottage and cabana in Plantagenet, Ontario. We'll also spend a couple days in Montreal! Together, we are known as the "Summer Breeze Girls".

Jeanne and Julie will be there. I've spent time with both and can't wait to see them again.

I'm looking forward to meeting lovely ladies CC and Wendy.

Claudie has planned so much for us to enjoy while there. We're going to kick up our heels and let down our hair and just have a memorable time. I'm sure I'll be back in August to tell you all about it!

You can visit Claudie's blog now to see some of what she's doing to welcome us!

~Sweetness & Elegance~

2011-03-23T12:09:00.006-04:00

You'll find them both at Suzanna's in Raleigh.

Go to Suzanna's. See what treasure you'll find there.

~Are you going to Fairyland?~

2011-03-10T11:30:00.008-05:00

Click HERE to enter.
Then click on the KEY to open the door to fantasyland!

I hope to see you there!
It's going to be MAGICAL!

No shrinking violets here...

2011-02-23T17:20:00.006-05:00

Aren't they pretty?

It's been a very cold, blustery winter,
but my little violets have blossomed,
bringing some Spring into my haven.
I love them dearly.

Violets were my sweet mother's favorite flower.

“Surely as cometh the Winter,

I know there are Spring violets under the snow.”
~Robert H. Newell ~

Meet My New Friends!

2011-02-15T11:00:00.003-05:00

They are creative ~

They are generous ~

They are writers ~

They are fanciful ~

They are giving ~

They are authors ~

They are AWESOME! ~

Meet a few of my blogging friends and see what I mean.

The Muse is a published author and poetess. I'm reading her writings in this amazing book she sent to me. You can find her HERE and HERE.

Thank you my dear mysterious Muse.
You are my inspiration.

Meet Linda at Random Creativity. Linda was challenged by sickness, but has now been cancer free for five years!

Thank you for the beautiful, inspirational
HOPE banner, Linda!
You never gave up hope and now you are free!

Joni at Old Centennial Farmhouse sent this wonderful book to teach me how to preserve the fruits of summer...and that is what I'll be doing this summer!
I'm excited about this!

Thank you, Joni!
I am so happy to be learning about canning!
I'll let you know how it goes!

Debbie at the Quilts Galore and More made these adorable little heart pillows.
(I couldn't get my picture to upload, so I used Debbie's.)
She sent me the pink and green plaid heart.
Isn't it precious?!

Thank you so much, Debbie. You're handmade creations are lovely!

I hope you've enjoyed meeting my friends. Please visit them and tell them I sent you. I know they will love meeting you, too!

~Sweetheart, I'm Home!"~

2011-02-11T16:55:00.000-05:00

Oh, to dwell in any of these sweetheart pink homes!
I could do so, happily!
Couldn't you?

Oh! This one stole my heart!
Straight from a child's story of
fairies and gingerbread cottages.

Thank you for touring my pink neighborhood.
Now it's time for all you sweeties to go back to our
Pink Saturday sweetheart, herself ...our Ms. Beverly,
where other darlings are waiting to show you their pinks today.

CLICK!

Pink is not just a color ~ its a way of living...

2011-02-04T17:00:00.005-05:00

This Pink Saturday I'm sharing a few dreamy images I found online, lovely rooms and furnishings kissed with cotton candy pink.

So, what do you think?
Could you make yourself at home in any of these rooms?
Which is your favorite pink image?

Click below to visit our lovely hostess, Beverly, and to see others who have lovely pinks today.

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!

~Heavenly Pinks~

2011-01-28T16:30:00.009-05:00

"Pink clouds cross blue skies
Crystal diamonds light the way
Sight delights my soul"

~Deborah aka Miss Bee~

January of 2011 found me in Virginia
visiting my daughter and her family.
Do I need to tell you that it snowed while I was there?

One late afternoon I stepped outside, with camera in hand, to take some snapshots of the snow still on the ground.

What caught my eye was a most awesome sky.

Pink clouds gently rolled overhead like pink fairy floss suspended in a sky of blue.

I watched as the sun set and the colors deepened.
It's not often that I get the see pink clouds in an open setting such as it was that evening.
At home, we are under a canopy of trees
and don't often see the late day sky.

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!

If you love pink, you are so going to enjoy visiting all the ladies who have opened up their blogs to you today. They are waiting with open arms. Don't forget to leave a sweet comment to let them know you were there!

CLICK!

Today's Pink quote:

“I fell off my pink cloud with a thud.”
~Elizabeth Taylor~

Fairytale Art

2011-01-17T17:21:00.018-05:00

"Turkish Fairytale"

Once in awhile,
Right in the middle of an ordinary life,
Love gives us a fairytale.
~anonymous~

"Romantica"

I've just discovered an artist.

I think I'm going to love her art.
Bulgan Lumini's paintings are full of vibrant colors and energetic visuals.

~Pink Gifting~

2011-01-12T11:53:00.031-05:00

Do you love gifts?
I do!
Sometimes the wrapping is as beautiful as what is waiting inside.

Marie Arden knows about presenting a gift in a most elegant fashion. Marie is a pink lady - elegant herself.
She lives life to it's 'pinkest'!

Several weeks ago, Marie gifted me with the most beautifully wrapped box.

What was inside this box wrapped in lovely custom stamped pinky paper and tied up with snowflakes tethered to pink organza ribbons?

It was a beautiful book of watercolor drawings of Versailles bought by the pink lady herself in Paris!

If I remember correctly, she told me she's visited Paris around twenty-five times! (Correct me if I'm wrong, Marie.)

She also included a Creating Vintage Charm magazine.

Thank you, lovely Marie!

I have so enjoyed the book and magazine on these recent freezing days
while I've been trying to stay warm at home.

Have you met Marie?
Stop by and visit her at Marie Arden Pink Living
Tell her Miss Bee sent you.
You will love her French inspirations.

We have another Pink Lady in Blogland - Miss Beverly of
How Sweet The Sound.
Each Saturday she hosts Pink Saturday. Join the fun!
CLICK!

Happy 2011!

2010-12-31T23:36:00.006-05:00

I wish for a peaceful, healthy, happy

2011
for us one and all!

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors,and let each new year find you a better man (or woman).

~Benjamin Franklin~

Snowy Scenes

2010-12-27T10:22:00.022-05:00

We were warned and we anticipated the winter event coming our way.
We were not disappointed! Sunday morning we were wakened by screeching and squealing of our electrical appliances trying to maintain their power.

I arose from my bed at 7 AM to this awesome scene. I knew it would be a day for taking photos.

The delicate flakes piled one on top of another

The snow inched its way up and up

I hear there is snow in Paris, too...sigh...

Our little cabin in the woods would have to wait for our company until Spring.

There would be not relaxing there in weather such as this!

The snow took on an elegance
~ a tiered wedding cake, perhaps?

~maybe a crystal white chandy?

~ or a vintage remnant of bride's lace?

We were cozy and warm beside our home's hearth.

I was hoping our feathered friends had taken
refuge in one of the chalets provided just for them.

However, we found most of them enjoying this change of scenery.

We watched this little one dancing and playing in this one spot most of the day.

Some just sat serenely, taking in the beauty, unaware they added to that beauty.

Others clamored for seed and food fights ensued.

Our Miss Callie was content to sit beside windows
watching the snow fall and the feathers fly.

LET IT SNOW!

2010-12-19T00:23:00.017-05:00

Many of us are getting snow. For us, it's come earlier than usual this year.
I love the snow. I love staying in my home, cozied up by the fireplace with a good book or a stack of magazines and cookbooks...a cup of tea or hot chocolate in hand while the beautiful flakes fall.

A couple of years ago I got 'hooked' on creating my own snowflakes.
There is a place online were one can do that HERE.
It's pretty additive, but creative and fun.
These are some that I created.

Now here's a snowflake for the books.
This morning we had a brief snow of very large flakes.
I got to the window with my camera and 'caught' this heart-shaped snowflake!

"L O V E"!

No, it's not photoshopped...it's just as I captured it with my camera!

Thank you, Shannon!

2010-12-11T22:35:00.021-05:00

A few weeks ago, I received a lovely wrapped gift from
Shannon at Cozy Home Scenes

I had entered her giveaway for an apron, handmade by Shannon herself, and a Cookie cookbook and I WON!
Yes, I did!

Isn't the fabric just the cutest?
I love it! Photo borrowed from Shannon

Once in awhile, you come across a lovely giveaway that seems was made just for you and this was the one for me.
You see, I collect aprons and cookbooks!

Honestly, I haven't had the opportunity to use the cookbook yet. We've been in the throughs of redoing our kitchen. This past week I finally got my new convection oven. Yep, I'll be making cookies soon...in my new apron! Thank you, Shannon!

2010-12-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

CONTEST
This is the last week to vote for Claudette.
Please vote once a day for the next four days!
Please see the post below.

CONTEST - Please vote!

2010-11-30T14:34:00.015-05:00

Many of you here know Claudie with the beautiful white hair of Bubblin' Over. She is a treasure in the blogging world and she's a real friend to many of us. I count her as my friend, because she's a delightfully funny lady with a warm heart who cares for people and fur-babies alike.

Please take a minute out of each day through December 10 to vote for her. Among other wonderful prizes, she could win $1000 to help with animal rescues in Ottawa, Canada.

We're trying to get her in the top five, at least. I have ninety-nine followers. If each of my followers would vote, Claudette, myself and the fur babies of Ottawa would sooo appreciate your help.

Won't you PLEASE take a minute out of the next few days to vote for her HERE:

Linking to:
White Wednesday

Tea Time!

2010-11-20T16:16:00.040-05:00

Headed south? Florida bound? Have you been to Mount Dora, Florida? I would like to recommend Mount Dora as a delightful destination.
A small town, but full of charm and history, Mount Dora sits lakeside and rises to an elevation of around 180 feet...a virtual 'mountain' in Florida.

I discovered Mount Dora on a recent trip to visit my cousin in Orlando. She took me on a forty-five minute trip to this lovely village.
Only four days later, while on business with my husand in Daytona Beach, I revisited Mount Dora with two friends while our husbands were attending their meetings.

I love this little town. My favorite time there was spent in
The Garden Gate Tea Room.
Take a look at these images of The Garden Gate Tea Room ... you'll want to go!

This comfy, cozy little area was layered with quilts and pillows and
was the first room we stepped into as we headed for our table.

As we walked through one of the eating areas, we passed this beautiful
little nook decorated with victorian dresses.
You can see my friend, Nancy's, reflection in the mirror.

We saw shelves and corner cabinets filled with china along the way.

If you didn't come decked out in a hat for tea, you could borrow one here.

This is the heavenly mantel and mirror that greeted us in the room we had tea in.

Tiny lighted bulbs lit up the tea room like stars.

Look at this magnificent hutch!

What a divine piano!

What did we eat, you say?
I began with a glass of iced pomegranate-hibiscus tea...
the glass rim sparkled with sugar.

I think I had three glasses!

Nancy and Glenda had peach tea.

Nancy and Glenda ordered the Rosemary Chicken Pie.

I had a bite and it was scrumptious!

I ordered the Spinach Quiche. It was adorned with a pastry heart. Excellent!

For dessert, Glenda and I shared the cream puff swan...delicious!

Nancy had this pumpkin mousse dessert. Now, Glenda and I don't care for pumpkin, but we mustered up the courage to taste it and
we were really very pleasantly surprised..it was wonderful!

After our tea/lunch we visited another part of The Garden Gate Tea Room.

Just look at this!

Around this room hung lovely poofy dresses.

Deborah, Nancy and Glenda

Thanks for coming along with us. We loved The Garden Gate Tea Room and
Mount Dora and we're already planning to go back!

We know you will love it, too!

Linking to:
White Wednesday

I AM LOVED!

2010-11-15T15:30:00.048-05:00

I am loved...how do I know? Because April told me so.

She sent a pretty little package to me that said "I love you" in so many ways.

First, her giveaway brought attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.That's love.

As you see, I won her giveaway. The pretty pink bag from Hertzburg Diamonds was stuffed with tissue gift paper that announced "I am loved".

Inside that bag was a pink velvety pouch with the words "love, help and hope"

This little pouch held a beautful pink pearl bracelet with a silver breast cancer awareness charm.

Isn't it beautiful?!!

And what else?

Ten little pin on buttons proclaiming "I am loved"!

Thank you, April. I truly felt the love!

Please take a few minutes to visit with sweet April and her family
...and give her my love.

2010-11-05T22:47:00.017-04:00

This queen bee is leaving the hive and headed south

for some sun and fun...although I hear the

weather is rather cool just now.

That's okay.

I need a little get-away.

Keep the hive warm for me.

I'll be back soon!

Gypsy Autumn

2010-11-01T22:22:00.008-04:00

"The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.
The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on."

- Emily Dickinson -

Harvesting the Honey

2010-09-04T23:40:00.026-04:00

If you've kept up with my pitifully neglected blog, you've seen that I got to try my hand at beekeeping this summer. Since my first visit with these Uddermost Homesteaders, I've been enjoying the local raw honey produced there.
It's truly wonderfully delicious!

After playing beekeeper, I was invited back to Uddermost Farm to watch as honey was extracted from the honeycomb panels. When I arrived, Amelia and Scott had already begun the extraction process. As I entered their work area, I could feel and smell the warmth of the honey.

Each honeycomb is covered by the bees with a layer of wax that caps the honey so as to protect it. This cap needs to be taken off before the panel is placed into the spinning extractor.

Scott has an electric hot knife with which he sliced away the cap of this honeycomb. Some of the luscious honey ran from the honeycomb onto a tray. You can see the knife on the lower side of this photo - it kind of blends in with the tray. This capping, if I remember correctly, is the most pure wax in the comb. It's used for making lip balm. I dipped my finger into this first golden honey.It was oh so sweet and pure - simply divine.

Some of the panels had uneven capping - not suitable to be upcapped with the hot knife. For these, Scott and Amelia used an ordinary table fork to break open each cell.

Then the panels went into the spinning extractor. The honey flew out of the panels onto the sides of the spinning barrel, dripping down the inside of the barrel to the bottom, through the filter where it waited to be tapped. Scott opened the tap and out flowed that raw virgin nectar into a waiting jar.

From flowers to the hives, to a mason jar. Yes, it sounds simple, but to me it's a miracle that blesses our tastebuds with the sweet nectar of the honeybees.

Do you know that each cell of a honeycomb is a structure all to itself, backing up to each surrounding cell? Amazing!

The capping that the bees place over their celled honeycombs to protect their contents also protect their larvae, their brood, their babies.

I wish I had words to accurately describe the true taste of honey.

I can't seem to find the words. How would you describe it?

Me...the Beekeeper!

2010-08-31T22:47:00.038-04:00

Do you remember a while back, I stopped by Uddermost Farm to buy some local honey? (Go down a couple posts.) I don't blame you if you don't remember - it's been quite some time since I wrote about it. Since then, it's been a busy few weeks. Amelia, who is an urban farmgirl, invited me back to see how they tend to their hives. Now, if you know me, you must know how excited I was to be part of checking the hives.

Amelia advised me to wear long pants and socks with my shoes. When I arrived at her little farm, I was suited up in beekeeper's gear. Her husband, Scott, also suited up and away we went. I was not afraid at all. Amelia had told me during my first visit that many of their worker bees had most likely been to our home to gather pollen and nectar, so I felt like I was meeting up with old friends. Bees travel within a five mile radius to gather and then return to their hives. Our home is well within that radius.

Worker bees not only gather, but also clean the hive and keep it cool by beating their wings. By the way, the 'buzz' of a honeybee is just it's wings beating so rapidly.

Uddermost Farmgirl and my hubby stayed a safe distance away while (we) went to work. Scott pryed the hives apart, beaking the propolis seal that had been placed by the bees. That's to keep the hive waterproof which is very important.

Me holding a honeycomb frame

Scott prying the hive apart

The light colored substance over the honey is the wax cap that the bees put over each honeycomb cell to protect the honey and their brood (eggs).
Bees are a very protective society. Scott told me that in the cold of
winter, balls of bees have been found deep within hives. The ball of bees surround
the queen bee to protect her from the cold. A queen bee would simply be a worker bee, if not for being fed and nourished with royal jelly.

Her job is to populate the hive with another queen bee and female workers.

Besides the queen and the workers, there are the drones.

Their only job is to mate with the queen bee and during that time, they die.

If, at any time, there is not enough food to support the hive,

the drones are forced out.

Scott firing up the smoker.

He then 'puffed' the smoke into the hive to calm the bees
so that he could go deeper into hives to check things out.

Something I learned is that when the smoke goes into the hives, the bees think the hive is in danger and try to save their honey by consuming all they can.

Amelia and Scott, thank you so much for being so generous in inviting me to share in this experience. It's something I've always wanted to do. You are both most kind.

I was invited back to Uddermost Farm again. This time to watch as the honey was extracted from the honeycomb. My next post will be about that.

Hope you will come back!

Do you know?
Honey is the ONLY food that includes all the substance
necessary to sustain life, including water.

Brokenhearted

2010-08-14T22:37:00.006-04:00

Brokenhearted is how we feel tonight - this August 14, 2010 has been filled with pain. Our precious Olivia went to sleep about nine tonight.

I'm posting this repeat post about Olivia. Bless her heart - she gave us so much joy.

Olivia has been part of our family since May of 1999. She was found in a porta-jon where my husband works when she was probably around six weeks old. She was dirty and greasy - just a nasty little black ball of fur with big green eyes. My husband brought her home and we cleaned her up. She never shyed away from us. She just took over and made herself at home.

Just a week before Olivia came into our lives, my daddy had died. Olivia was the greatest comfort to me. In spite of my grief, she made me laugh with her antics.
She loved to watch television, sitting right in front of it, looking way up to see it and almost falling back. She loved to watch races on television. She followed the cars as they crossed the screen. She would talk to us by making short little chirping sounds, which she still does.

Today, Livvie is a beautiful cat with big golden eyes. My husband says she thinks I'm her mother...that's okay, she is my baby.

The photo above is Olivia in my daughter's pocket shortly after coming to live with us.

We will miss you, our little love. I'll miss you sitting beside me while I'm on the computer. I'll miss your chattering at the birds and squirrels. I'll miss your big golden eyes and your lumbering walk. My God, I would never complain about cat hair on the furniture again, if we could have you back. Bless your heart and God help our hearts to heal.

Visit To An Urban Homestead

2010-08-04T14:36:00.021-04:00

I was so delighted to see a sign along side a nearby street that read "Local Honey" and a phone number. I've been searching for REAL local honey. Could this be any more local?...just a little over a mile from my own home?! You must have heard that a teaspoon of local honey a day is good for warding off those pesky allergies that so many of us suffer with. For that very reason, I was searching for local honey.

I called the number and the next day I was greeted at the 'farmhouse' door by a most friendly lady, Amelia, and her dog Duke. She invited me right in and showed me the honey she and her husband had gathered from their hives. I picked a light colored honey and a darker one. They are just wonderful! Amelia educated me some about bees. I told her about how my name, Deborah, means bee and she already knew!

Then I mentioned my blog...she has a BLOG and WEBSITE!

A delightful aroma was wafting from her kitchen where she was canning tomatoes from her garden. I felt so at home here. The farmhouse was a home that I had passed most everyday for many years - just not where it is today. It was moved not far from a main road for the sake of progress. The home is still in the city and that limits how many animals they can have. They are hoping to find a large farm where the animals can roam.

I was so happy when she asked if I would like to see her goats. Mama is expecting soon and Amelia invited me back to see the new additions when they arrive and regretfully before they have to be sold because of city laws.

This is beautiful Bella, the baby of the family. Look at this precious face!

Bella again

These are Bella's parents - a handsome couple

Bella's family gifted Amelia and her family with goat milk from which they create soaps, body washes....I bought a delicious Almond body wash and a heavenly Lavender body wash. Amelia gave me a goat's milk wash for my husband who had terribly itchy dry skin. She said it calms the skin.

Now, this is the real reason I went to this lovely urban farmhouse - the honey!

This is the darker of the honeys and it is soooo good!

Amelia recommended this one for biscuits.

You can't tell much of a difference in the pictures, but this one is much lighter.

Amelia says I should sweeten my tea with this one and I will!

I'm looking forward to visiting Amelia at Uddermost Farm.

Now, this is not Amelia, but she is just as lovely.

I was so intrigued with Uddermost Farm that I didn't take pictures of her cinnamon colored chickens and "other sorts". You can read about the ”other sorts” on her blog. I didn't get pictures of her lovely little garden or the hives! What was I thinking?!

UPDATE: Just as I am finishing up this blog post, Amelia called me and invited me to come over and be a beekeeper this evening!! I am on top of the world with excitement!

More to come!

Hallelujah!

2010-07-27T20:33:00.006-04:00

It rained today!

Hot enough for ya?

2010-07-14T23:07:00.004-04:00

Have a cold drink<

...and sit a spell

Keep cool, my friends!

Photos in this post are my property

Blown Away by the Wind

2010-07-04T23:45:00.078-04:00

Do you know your ‘style' ?

When it comes to clothes, I don’t think I ever really had a ‘style’. I’m not tall, thin, svelte. My body wasn’t meant for the runway or catwalk.

As a matter of fact, I don’t find it easy to find clothes to fit my 5’1” – not thin frame.

However, I can make a statement with my jewelry.

I do know my jewelry style and I have a jewelry box to prove it!

I recently visited Philadelphia – the city of art, murals, history, John Wind, freedom, cheesesteaks. Whoa, back up a little...John Wind? Do you know him?

I didn't know him, but I do now! Yes, Philadelphia is where I discovered John Wind.

A friend and I walked into an upscale boutique on Walnut Street. I didn’t make it past the front of the shop where there was a jewelry display. I was immediately blown away by the jewelry I saw. I asked about it and was told the pieces were created by Philadelphia designer John Wind. His jewelry spoke to me and I listened. I knew it must have a story to tell.

First, let me tell you what I've learned about John Wind. He has twenty-five years of experience in his field. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania and London's Slade School of Fine Art. He first designs were Victorian-inspired brooches. His jewelry is both vintage and modern. His work is snapped up by celebrity clients who wear his jewelry proudly.

He and his jewelry are written about in nearly every fashion magazine worldwide.

His jewelry has raised money to help in his humanitarian effort to fight Aids. From all accounts, he and his company's staff are a kind and friendly, loving group of people.

Imagine found brooches, necklaces, bracelets from the flea markets of Paris or London. That's what I think of when I see John Wind jewelry.

Mr. Wind's jewelry is classy, fun, sophisticated

and pretty enough to display anywhere when you aren't wearing it.

Now, I want to tell you the story that the pieces of John Wind jewelry I bought told me.

This bracelet told me how it was created with a love of the past and a piece of history.

See the Fleur De Lis? That's a French lily, emblematic of French heraldry.

See the crown? Could there be anything that says "Royality" more than a crown ...and I AM the Queen of my castle.
Oh! The crown enhancer is also a locket!

The rooster says that although I'm a farm girl at heart, I am of French descent (truly, I am), and the rooster is also a symbol of France...and of Key West, Florida, which I'm pretty fond of!

Ah, my bird - I love to fly to parts unknown (unknown to me, at least), and I just love birds in general. I think of them as free spirits.

And look at that chunky number "4" - can you guess? Just ask me about that number "4" and I'll tell you about the loves of my life...my four grandchildren.

Go ahead - just ask me!!!

I hope you can see the delicate key and compass enhancer. The compass says that I do love to travel the world and the key says that travel can unlock you imagination -the only thing greater than your dreams.

The real working clock tells me that I'm usually not on time...ahem!

Moving on to the important stuff, such as the beautiful initial "D" with the pearl. Okay, that's easy - my name begins with "D"...but isn't that a pretty piece?! ..and last, but not least by any means - my Bee. My Bee is very special to me. It's the meaning and symbol of my name "Deborah". Or it could tell you that I am the Queen Bee in our family...well, perhaps in my own mind! I've named this blog Miss Bee's Haven and my dearest friends call me Miss Bee. So, you see why my Bee is a very special piece?

The enhancers on this bracelet that I put together, can be rearranged or taken off and added to a necklace or another bracelet.

I'm hoping for other pieces of John Wind jewelry that will add to my story...
perhaps a musical piece like a mandolin.

Well, I've probably kept you too long. I must tell you how much I appreciate you stopping by and I hope you see how excited I am about this line of jewelry.

If you want a closer look at any if my pictures, just click on the photo.

You can visit John Wind and his Maximal Art Company HERE and HERE.

I hope you are as blown away by the Wind as I am!

This post is linked to Show and Tell Fridays

Finding beauty in simple things

2010-06-21T22:50:00.022-04:00

The dandelions and buttercups

Gild all the lawn; the drowsy bee

stumbles among the clover tops,

and summer sweetens all to me.

~J.R. Lowell 1869~

Have you ever looked closely at a clover flower - a weed?

Have you ever taken a real look at a sweat bee?

Take time to look for beauty where you would least expect it.

Photos in this post are my property

Little Loves

2010-06-19T23:24:00.003-04:00

I'm spending some happy time with my grandchildren.

I'll be back in just a few days!

~Pink Saturday Birdcage~

2010-06-12T00:05:00.006-04:00

A while back, I bought a bright blue bird cage from Jenny at
SUZANNA'S.
I have very, very little blue in my home,
so......I decided to paint it pink - Sweet Pea pink to be exact.

I tried to add things that mean a lot to me.

Sheet music reminds me of my dad.

I lined the floor with a pretty pink doily from Suzanna's

I pulled some pink and cream pearls from my jewelry box
and draped them from a blingy cup

that my daughter gave me, then,

I nestled a sweet nest and bird in the cup.

I gathered some of my favorite things from around the house.

I added three pretty little china saucers to remind me of my mother.

I added a pink-winged fairy to watch over all,

added some shiny crystals all around and topped it off with a tassel.

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!

If you love pink, you are so going to enjoy visiting all the ladies who have opened up their blogs to you today. They are waiting with open arms. Don't forget to leave a sweet comment to let them know you were there!

OH! Before you return to Beverly's Pink Saturday list, please visit
Marie Arden Pink Living. Marie is a Southern girl "with an eye for pinkand for pretty homes and gardens". She has a wonderful sense of style.

It's not polite to be habitually late...

2010-06-08T00:17:00.008-04:00

BUT...
You cannot make an entrance
if you arrive on time.

~Just a thought~
:))

Pink Saturday

2010-06-05T00:04:00.006-04:00

Hello, there! Guess who's here?

ME!

It's been such a long, long time since I've joined in the fun with Miss Beverly and all you Pink Saturday gals. I've so missed you all. Since I last did a blog post, I've been in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and we've lost a dear member of our family.

I have tried to visit as many Pink Saturday bloggers as possible these last few weeks. Now, it's time for me to show off some of my home's pinks once again.

I have wanted a room divider screen for several years. Nothing seemed to have caught my eye until this past week. I was visiting Affordable Chic here in town, when there it was! It was my colors and it was lovely.

I never wanted a screen that would used for a room divider...just something to add somewhere in our home that would make a statement. I think this is it!

Our little girl, Olivia, has taken a fancy our new decor. I've caught her cozied up in front of it several times.

Take note of the little pink teapot...a sweet gift from my cousin in West Virginia. She seems to always know just what I like.

Do you see the pretty embroidered and crocheted pillowcase folded under the teapot and books? It is one of a pair that belonged to my dear mother. I just don't have the heart to stick in my linen closet.

The wooden chest that I use for a side table beside a chair is decorated with painted pink roses.

The bucket of flowers...well, they are fake, but they are pink and I love them. I have no problem with pretty fake flowers. Of course, I would rather have fresh, but unless I visit the florist everyday... fake will do.

Like Olivia, I have taken a fancy to my new screen. I just love the way it looks sitting in front of part of our living room window.

Before you leave, let me tell you about a blogger I found on The Pink Saturday list last Saturday. She is Komali atEntertaining From An Ethnic Indian Kitchen.She's a tablescaper, gardener, flower arranger, author of her own book. When you visit her beautiful blog, go to her sidebar and click on "Tablescape" to see the most gorgeous tablesettings. If you love Indian foods, as I do, look at her easy to follow recipes.Tell her Deborah sent you.

Wishing you all a very happy
PINK SATURDAY!

Rainy Raleigh, Roosters, Wreaths and Ribbons

2010-04-21T12:23:00.011-04:00

It's a rainy day in Raleigh and I have a sore throat, sneezing and coughing...sound familiar? So, I'm playing inside today.

This past week, I was at Walmart and discovered that their remnant/ribbon section is closing down in all Walmarts. The ribbon was unbelievably inexpensive. They might as well have just given it away!

I made this wreath and added some of the Walmart ribbon.

A ribboned rooster for my daughter

A ribboned rooster for me

Decorate your day with ribbons!

You will be missed...

2010-04-08T10:05:00.002-04:00

My husband's dear mother passed away during the early hours this morning. She was loved and she will be missed.

2010-04-07T12:05:00.011-04:00

Please come in and sit a while. I left the door open for you. I haven't been around lately due to a family medical crisis. But, please come on in and take a look around. I'm sure there are some older posts that you haven't seen.

While you are here, please keep some good thoughts for our family. We will need even more strength in the days ahead.

Alma, thank you for the forty-six years we've had together as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Thank you for the wonderful man you raised to be my husband. Thank you for teaching me country cooking. Thank you for being a loving grandmother and great-grandmother that my children will never forget. Thank you for showing elegance, dignity and grace in the face of agonizing pain. I love you, dear lady.

Signs of Spring

2010-03-20T00:01:00.013-04:00

Daffodils light the dawn of Spring
with the color of the sun
calling to newly born flowers
"Come up and feel the warmth".

~Copyright Deborah~

Joy, joy!
At last, Spring has arrived!

Do you feel it in the air?

Do you hear it?

Do you see it?

Do you feel like singing?

Do you feel like frolicking in a green meadow?

Do you have the desire to see your windows shine?

Do you feel the urge to organize?

Do you feel like getting your hands dirty?

Do you feel like falling in love all over again?

You have Spring Fever!

Celebrate it!

Celebrate Sweet Spring!

Tell, me...
what does Spring mean to you?

2010-03-09T21:45:00.019-05:00

Cows and Ducks
Claude Cardon (1892-1915)
British genre painter and landscapist

“Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will.”

James Stephens (Irish Poet and storyteller, 1882-1950)

Tour my haven...Guest Bedroom

2010-03-03T14:52:00.035-05:00

I'm a little bit country...

I love warm and cozy

I love tassels and lamps

I love quilts and books

I love country red and a cottage feel

I love pillows and lace and ticking

I love toile and teacups and teapots

I love reading in bed

I love nature and animals

I love cats and French anything

I love handcrafted linens

...and I hope our guest loves these things, too!

~SOON~

2010-03-01T23:36:00.016-05:00

Tonight, we expect snow again.
Soon, my pretties, your little heads will rise
to meet the sun
and you will trumpet the coming of a new season.
Soon, it will be Spring and we will dance with the daffodils...soon.

Painting of the Week

2010-02-24T01:00:00.013-05:00

Chapeau de Napoleon - Centifolia Cristata Rose

I especially love the detail in this beautiful watercolor...the various shades of pinks and greens.

Her passion is roses and painting. From the Paris region, French artist, Hélène Glehen, paints with oils and watercolors.
She credits her passion for painting to her great grandfather,
artist Hiplpolyte Jean-Adam Gide (1852-1921).

CLICK HERE to visit her website

Old Roses in a Blue Bowl
Roses anciennes dans un bol bleu
...softness...

Note: If any of her pages are in French, you can translate them to English in the top right hand corner of the page...that is, unless you do read French, which I do not!

Painting of the Week

2010-02-17T00:00:00.003-05:00

Lost in Thought

This week I'm featuring talented Kentucky artist, Rhonda Hartis Smith. Rhonda specializes in portrait painting and figurative painting. Her beautiful ballerinas are my favorite. The piece above is called Lost in Thought. I love the airiness and fullness of the tulle. Rhonda enjoys traveling as much as I do and a lot of her work is inspired by her travels. Oh yes, and one more fact about Rhonda...she's family...a cousin of mine!

If you are interested in commissioning Rhonda for an oil painting, email her at
rsmithstudio@insightbb.com

CLICK HERE to visit her website.

FOR THE LOVE OF CUPCAKES

2010-02-12T01:09:00.011-05:00

Lusciousness

Heavenliness

Yumminess

Miss Bee's Painting of the Week

2010-02-09T00:15:00.006-05:00

When Life Gives You Lemons...

This delectable painting is by Delilah Smith, a Michigan artist. I came across her work by accident while searching for something on the web. I immediately fell in love with the colors and whimsy of her paintings...and of course, the bees! See them buzzing around that scrumptous-looking drink? I found each of her works to be happy and bright. Delilah trys to paint a work of art each day. I will feature more of her paintings in the weeks to come so watch for them.

If you are interested in this painting, CLICK HERE, or email Delilah at delilah@artbydelilah.com

Lemon Drop Martini Recipe

This drink is a sweet, lemony concoction to be served in a fun martini glass.

1 1/2 ounces vodka
1/2 ounce triple sec
1 teaspoon superfine sugar
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
Superfine sugar for dipping
Twisted peel of lemon

The vodka, triple sec, sugar and lemon juice go into an ice filled shaker.

You need to shake sufficiently to fully dissolve the sugar but don’t shake so hard that you get pieces of ice when you pour the drink.

You want the sugar to completely dissolve in the shaker, so you must use superfine sugar, which dissolves instantly.

With a wedge of lemon, trace the rim of the martini glass leaving a thin wet film. Dip the rim of the glass in superfine sugar.

Pour your lemon drop martini into a martini glass and garnish with the twisted lemon peel. Enjoy!
Miss Bee says: "One is enough!"

2010-02-07T22:03:00.004-05:00

Wedding Night
(a dream)

I see lanterns flicker upon flower-strewn cobblestones.
Dream weaver rocks me softly with lilting musical tones.
Periwinkle, lilac and lavender lull me to sleep.
Reverie comes to me whispering reflections sweet
of joyful scenes from a quaint village street.

Dream keeper paints a time abundant with grace.
A festive folktale wedding is in place.
Ribboned clad and in hand-me-down lace, a virgin bride fair
wears lemon flowers, olive leaves, and blossoms in her hair.
With a father’s tender farewell kiss, he gives her hand to her beloved.

My dream trails a wedding feast caravan adorned with turtledoves.
Young and old dance to merriment of accordions and violins.
The air is filled with chimes of the belfry carillon’s ring.
A gypsy woman of ageless beauty, lined face all knowing,
releases bevies of monarchs and nightingales singing.

Into an old wooden trunk she casts memories of this night
along with fairytale wishes to make all tomorrows bright.
A toast she raises –
“May your children and theirs be fair and strong as the willow.
May you grow old together on the same pillow.”

Copyright - Deborah - 2007

"Gypsy" - the very word conjures up romantic notions of brightly woven garments, carefree dancers swirling round a campfire to the sounds of tamborines and gypsy violins, colorful traveling wagons...images I have always been intriqued with. I have seen only three Gypsy wagons in my life. One when I was a child in West Virginia and one caravan of two several years ago in Wytheville, Virginia.

Where did these nomadic people originate?...perhaps, Romania, Poland, Persia, Spain, Yugoslavia, Germany,Russia, India or maybe Eygpt? While history is not conclusive as to their origin, tribes of gypsies, or Romanies as they would preferred to be called are found worldwide today.

Gypsy Woman - 1886
Nikolai Yaroshenko. 1846 - 1898 (Russia)

The term gypsy is a common term used to describe Romani people or Travellers. While their lifestyle and employment is said to be on the lower scale, knowns for their metalwork, ..... many have become famous authors, scientists, musicians and singers, artists, politicians, actors and actresses such as Charlie Chaplin and Michael Caine...among those, my favorite would be actor Yul Brynner.

Remember him in "The King and I"?

Wait, don't leave! It's me, Deborah!

2010-02-03T02:00:00.023-05:00

Here's the latest buzz...

As you see from the blog header above, I'm trying something new. ...and as you can see from my blog header...I don't have it right yet! Still working on that - I think I might need some help with it.

I have a 'co-blogger' now - her name is Miss Bee. Miss Bee will be posting on some of her favorite subjects.

Why Miss Bee? My given name, "Deborah", means bee in Hebrew, so I thought it appropriate. I've always been in love with bees. I love that they spread the beauty of flowers. I love how cute they are with pollen all over their little faces and legs. I love how efficient they are - building hives, honeycombs and making scrumptious honey for us humans to delight in. I love the fact that they have their own queen (like Miss Bee) who is pampered and catered to - who wouldn't love that! ...and I've always been a 'royal watcher'.

So, if you will bear - bear?...no, if you will 'bee' (sorry!) with me while Miss Bee and I tidy up the header and get accustomed to our new name, we would so appreciate y'all's patience. Oops! A little of our honey-child southerness showing there.

We love visitors, so y'all come back and visit Miss Bee's Haven whenever you can.

2010-02-02T04:00:00.002-05:00

2010-01-30T12:29:00.024-05:00

We've been frosted!

Last night's sky took on a pinkish hue and large flakes fell fast.
The land was covered quickly.

The morning's light brought the crystals to life.

Our wild friends were thankful for the feeders we had filled before the snow.
Doesn't he look happy?

Like icing on a tiered cake, the snow decorated.

Perhaps it's a good day to stay cozy warm inside...
just sitting and watching chubby red birds.

...or maybe we could bake a cake!

.
Chocolate for Nicholas and vanilla for Kathryn! Yummy!

...and don't forget the sprinkles!!

2010-01-29T20:43:00.005-05:00

2010-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

"In January
it's so nice
while slipping
on the sliding ice
to sip hot chicken soup with rice.
Sipping once
Sipping twice"
Maurice Sendak, In January

CHICKEN WITH RICE SOUP

1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
1 stalk of celery, chopped
1 or 2 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
Salt and Pepper to taste
A dash of olive oil
A small pat of butter (optional)
A cup or so of chopped, cooked white chicken meat, skin and fat removed
Half a cup of chopped, cooked dark chicken meat, skin and fat removed, (optional)
6 cups of chicken stock or broth.
Half a cup of pre-cooked rice (see notes below)
Chopped or dried parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme

1. Warm up your olive oil and butter in your soup pot on medium-low.

2. Add the vegetables and a dash of salt. Add the garlic a minute or so later. Cook until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

3. A minute or so before the vegetables are done, add the sage, rosemary and thyme.

4. Add the chicken pieces and cook for a minute or two more.

5. Add the chicken stock and the pre-cooked rice.

6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

7. Add the parsley a minute or so before serving.

You can replace the rice with noodles of any sort. Just add them about 7 to 10 minutes before serving to allow them to cook (will depend on the type and thickness of noodles). Simply cook until they are the desired tenderness.

You can add other vegetables to this recipe for a change. Add a handful of frozen peas about 5 minutes before serving. They have just enough time to cook through and still remain firm enough to have that wonderful "burst" of flavor in the mouth.

For a more heart-heathy treat, remove any fat with a lettuce leaf or refrigerate overnight and skim off any remaining fat.

Enjoy and stay cozy warm!

2010-01-24T07:00:00.004-05:00

"Counting Blessings" by artist Laurie Blank

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not;
remember that what you now have
was once among the things you only hoped for.”
-Epicurus-

Count me among those who are thankful for beloved family and dear friends.
I could not desire for more.

2010-01-22T22:18:00.005-05:00

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."
-Pablo Picasso-

Where Am I Now?

2009-11-22T20:38:00.005-05:00

As usual, I am not at home, as I have been most of this past couple of months. I have been neglecting my own blog, but worse than that, I have been neglecting your blogs and for that I am truly sorry.

Where am I now? At this moment, I am in Roanoke, Virginia, visiting our daughter and enjoying playing with our seventeen-month old and three-year old grandboys. My stay here will probably be around ten days.

These past two to three months, we've traveled to Colorado, California, Florida, Nevada. As much as I love to travel, it can be hard work and a little tiring. We travel alot and at times, I've found myself waking in a hotel room and wondering just where we are that day.

I hope to get back to visiting my dear friends in Blogland as we enter into the new year and hope that I haven't lost too many of you. I thank you for your loyalty and patience with my absences.

2009-10-10T23:22:00.008-04:00

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came-
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,
The Oaks in crimson dressed;
The lovely Misses Maple
In scarlet looked their best;
All balanced to their partners,
And gaily fluttered by;
The sight was like a rainbow
New fallen from the sky.

Then, in the rustic hollow,
At hide-and-seek they played,
The party closed at sundown,
And everybody stayed.
Professor Wind played louder;
They flew along the ground;
And then the party ended
In jolly "hands around."

October's Party
~George Cooper~

~Happy Fall Y'all!~

2009-09-30T17:12:00.017-04:00

Autumn...truly my favorite time of year! And where are we going now?...to one of my favorite places in the world...Disney World! We'll be gone for a week and I'm wondering if I'll be ready to come home then.

Another of my favorites - tea parties! Have you ever thought of having an Autumn tea party? Here are some suggestions I found online to give you some ideas.

DECORATIONS

Float autumn flowers such as mums in a small shallow bowl and place one at each table setting.

Gold colored tablecloth, red dishes.

A bowl of beautiful fall apples on every table.

Write each guest's name on a paper leaf to be used as a place card.

Purchase a cinnamon broom and decorate with small autumn flowers, leaves, and grasses for the centerpiece. Arrange yellow, orange and green gourds along with Indian corn around the broom.

MENU

Cranberry Scones

my Curried Cranberry Chicken Salad
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lime juice
3/4 teaspoon curry powder
2 cups cooked, cubed chicken
1 meduim apple - cut in chunks
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/4 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons thin sliced green onion

Combine mayonnaise, lime juice and curry powder in a bowl and add all other ingredients. You can use as salad or use for sandwiches. You might double for sandwiches.

Corn Chowder

Gingerbread Cake
OR

my favorite easy Caramel Apple Pie:
Cook one three pound Mrs. Smith's crumb-topped deep dish apple pie.
Cool one hour.

In a two-quart pan:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup whipping cream
bring to boil over medium heat and boil one minute.

Remove from heat.
Whisk in one teaspoon vanilla
1 cup xxx sugar

Pour over the cooled pie.
Sprinkle with 3/4 cup toasted chopped pecans.

TEAS

Genmaicha is a green tea (sencha based) blended with toasted rice. This tea would be nice to serve with the chicken salad sandwiches and corn chowder since the toasty flavor of the tea would compliment the flavors and not overpower.

Vanilla flavored Rooibos is an herbal from South Africa and is very rich almost dessert like and would pair nicely with the gingerbread cake.

FAVORS

Fill a small jar (one for each guest) with some of the loose leaf tea that you are using for your party and cover the lid with a small straw hat with a fall flower glued to the hat. Place at each guests setting.

Small straw broom decorated with autumn leaves and glue a small magnet on one side to make a refrigerator magnet.

Rocky Mountain High

2009-09-16T21:30:00.018-04:00

I've just returned from Colorado and I fell in love there. My first visit to that beautiful state has made an impression on my heart.

Mountains - how I love them. Being born a West Virginia girl, I am
naturally drawn to mountainous regions and their grandeur. I love both their strength and their gentleness.

Standing at the 14,110 feet summit of the famous Pike's Peak made me feel like a mere pin dot in this universe. I experienced the dizzying sensation of trying to take in air that was so much lighter than I was accustomed to. In spite of the 'touristy' atmosphere, I found the view to be more than awesome. It was a most beautiful day and the view took in surrounding states - yes, I could see Kansas in the far distance.

I have been most fortunate to travel the world, but there are so many sites I have yet to see - great ones, ancient ones, grand cities and remote villages. However, I look forward to seeing so much more of our beautiful United States and that includes, one day, returning to the great Rocky Mountains. There was so much more there that I didn't get the opportunity to see.

Where we waited for our ride to the top of the world

The cog-train track

Here comes our train and right on time!

Stacked boulders with the 'sleigh-rock'
sitting on the third boulder up

I loved the running waters

Pines stood with roots above the ground

Desolate land left as it is

Billions of broken boulders scattered as if thrown by a gigantic hand

We saw a little snow and deep valleys holding dark lakes

Water springs from rock's crevices

Mountain meadows

In 1893, a visitor to the summit of Pike's Peak (teacher Katharine Bates) was so inspired with it's beauty, that she wrote a poem that would become "America the Beautiful".

~Away for a last breath of Summer~

2009-08-26T15:10:00.016-04:00

I'll be away until Monday. I'm just going away for a last bit of summer fun. Oh, it will be hot enough for several weeks to come, but according to the calendar, summer is scheduled to come to an end around September 21 and that is not far off.

We'll take the boat and skim blue warm waters

We'll walk along the beach and pick up seashells

We'll frolic in the surf

We'll just try to relax

Yes, it will be fun enjoying the last days of summer,
but what I'm really looking forward to is Fall!

See y'all Monday!

~A Swan Story~

2009-08-24T15:57:00.024-04:00

Is there anything more beautiful, more gentle, more graceful than a swan? To me the swan has always been a symbol of love, family, loyalty. The swan has been the subject of poets and artists alike. This is the story of a swan that my brother, sister-in-law, husband and myself met personally and up close this summer. We were in my brother's new pickup truck travelling in and around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We drove down to Pawley's Island to visit some gift shops and have some lunch. My brother was in a shop, my husband and I and our sister-in-law returned to the truck to wait for him.

This is the swan who lives at the pond at the gift shops in Pawley's Island, South Carolina.
We were told she ran her mate off because she is so tempermental
...and she bites!
We kept our distance and I begin snapping pictures.

As she had forced her mate to leave, actually two of them,
her only companions are ducks.

I got in the truck. Larry and Teresa were outside the truck looking at her.
She was about fed up with the picture taking and us looking at her.
She plodded toward Larry and Teresa with her big feet,
head down and determined.

Then she spread her wings and charged!

Larry and Teresa jumped in the truck as quickly as they could. The swan's head was in and out of the front window where Larry sat ducking..."ducking"...no pun intended.
He was really trying to dodge her attempts to bite him.
After she was through scaring the daylights out of Larry, she began munching on the side mirror. She was mad!

She was through with the mirror - we THOUGHT she was through with us.

When she was through with the side-view mirror, she walked away. Teresa got out of the truck...

Swan abruptly turned and marched toward Teresa - here she came again with that intent, determined look!
Good thing Teresa was fast on her feet!

THE END

So, if you ever have the opportunity to visit beautiful Pawley's Island, do so ... but be forwarned...

there is a swan...

2009-08-18T21:02:00.010-04:00

~Moon Dreams - Marta Wiley~

Cast me to the wind
Let me dance upon a cloud
Tether me not
Nor keep me earthbound

For it is beyond the horizon
Where I most feel at home
Give me freedom to fly
Give me grant to roam

I want to leap from star to star
I want to swing on crescent moon
I want to sing sweet harmonies
Reflecting my heart’s tune

I will fall to earth as dawn breaks
Where my burdens wait for me
Let me envision my wish come true
Let me dream of what could be

Deborah Cashwell
© August 17, 2009

"If trouble ever troubles you, just dream your cares away"
~Unknown~

2009-08-17T21:39:00.031-04:00

I've been away. Have you noticed? I haven't been physically away. I just haven't been blogging. As one of my best blogger girlfriends said, I've been on "hiatus". Well, my dear Claudie, that's a nice way to put it. Thank you! The truth is I haven't been inspired to blog for several weeks. I haven't had any brilliant ideas to share, not much exciting going on to tell you about. I would log in to create a new post and when I shut down, the page was just as I found it - blank, as was my mind.

Well, this evening, a small fire may have been rekindled within me. My husband took me to a movie - a movie that has inspired me in a way. We saw "Julie and Julia".

It's a story about blogging, cooking and food, determination and perseverance and love. Julie, a young lady who created a blog that covered a year of 'channeling' Julia Child and cooking over 500 of her recipes in 365 days, was played by Amy Adams. Julia Child's life was portrayed by Meryl Streep from her early days in France to the beginning of her success as a cookbook author. Both were writers, both cooks, both persevered and both loved. Meryl Streep was superb. You would think she was truly 'channeling' Julia Child.

If you get the opportunity to see "Julie and Julia", do so. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we did.

~How does your garden grow?~

2009-07-29T15:08:00.011-04:00

Have you visited Asheville, North Carolina's Biltmore Estate? The gardens are absolutely amazing! This August, the Biltmore's second annual Flower Carpet will be installed. Take a look at last summer's Flower Carpet.

You can visit this one-of-a kind 'living tapestry' August 14 - 30, 2009. The 14,400-square-foot Flower Carpet features over 100,000 flowers and plants.

This year the Flower Carpet will be patterned as a fleur de lis.

That's one way to 'grow' a garden!

2009-06-18T21:00:00.007-04:00

Welcome to Friday's Favorite Family Foto!

If you would like to share one of you favorite family photos,old or new, just post it to your blog, then come back here and sign up with Mr. Linky below. A reference back to this blog would be greatly appreciated and will direct your readers to other bloggers sharing their photos.

My family photo for this Friday is very new - taken June 14 at the Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke, Virginia.

This is me with my four grandchildren waiting to ride the zoo train. I'm holding little Andrew on my lap. He just turned one-year old the day before this picture was taken. Beside me is my brown-eyed boy Nicholas making his silly face - just what a four and a half year old would do. Beside him is Coy. Isn't he a cool 'dude'? He will be three in August. Next is our princess Kathryn in pigtails. She turns seven in October. Andrew and Coy are brothers and Nicholas and Kathryn are brother and sister.

~Flying High~

2009-06-04T21:55:00.005-04:00

You might be aware that Hubby and I vacationed in Key West a few weeks ago. We had a wonderful time and topped it off with an adventure we will never forget and I think we did pretty good for old folks! ~Lift off!~
~Going up!~

~Way out there!~
About 150 to 200 feet up
Do you have a favorite family vacation photo?...or ANY family photo that you like. Why don't you post it today, then come back here and add your name and URL blog address to the Mr. Linky below. Then come back next Friday and do it again for Friday's Favorite Family Foto.

~Sleep...Sweet Sleep~

2009-05-31T18:57:00.014-04:00

The worst thing in the world is to
try to sleep and not to.
~F. Scott Fitzgerald

Now, I do not consider myself a princess...perhaps a queen? Just kidding! However, I do require and expect certain things...food, a roof over my head, clothing....SLEEP!
Why does it elude me night after night?
I've bought the finest high-thread count sheets,
down comforters, featherbeds,
a pillow-top mattress...$$$,
but do I catch any Z's? NO!

I will admit that I stay up too late into the night, but, if I were to slip into bed at a decent hour, I would just lie there, my mind churning over the day's activities and anticipating what will be tomorrow. In the morn, my back aches from tossing and turning, my blue eyes are red-tinged and swollen. Perhaps my love snores? No matter, my ears are oblivious to the sawing - I wear earplugs to bed. So what could the problem be? I cannot shut my mind off once the moon shows it's light. I count sheep - yes, I have done that
and I've counted back from one hundred.

Could I be a creature of the night, coming to life while the world around me slumbers? I think so and I think cat-napping while the sun shines could be my lot in life. But, who can do that?!
No answers - just an endless chase for one perfect night's sleep.

A flock of sheep that leisurely pass by
One after one; the sound of rain, and bees
Murmuring; the fall of rivers, winds and seas,
Smooth fields, white sheets of water,
and pure sky -
I've thought of all by turns,
and still I lie
Sleepless...
~William Wordsworth, "To Sleep"

Life is too short to sleep on
low thread-count sheets.
~Leah Stussy

2009-05-30T03:00:00.003-04:00

Help yourself to a scrumptious pink cupcake and celebrate with us the one year birthday of PINK SATURDAY
Our friend, Beverly, began organizing this group of pink lovers one year ago.
It's been so much fun that it doesn't even seem like a year has passed.
You will find a list of pink posts on her lovely blog.

While in Key West a couple weeks ago, we found some delightful Florida pinks. The first was this darling pink cottage
that I REALLY wanted!

These pink taxis where everywhere!
Maybe not as pink as my, I mean, the pink cottage we saw or those precious pink taxis,
but what could say "Florida" better than these pink flamingos?!

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!

WE LOVE YOU, BEVERLY!

~My Buddy~

2009-05-28T21:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to Friday's Favorite Family Foto!

You met our grandsons Coy and Andrew a couple weeks ago and you've seen many photos of our granddaughter Kathryn. Have you met our grandson Nicholas? He's my buddy and I often call him that, much to his dismay...I think it embarrasses him just a little. But he knows we are best buddies. I take care of Nick while his mommy and daddy work and when he's not in preschool.

This is Nicholas at around seven months old. I had just given him a bath. Look at those eyes!
All our grandchildren have fair complexions and blue eyes...except for Nicholas. You just cannot ignore those big brown eyes.
He's just like his daddy in looks and personality.My Nicholas was the baby and only boy for two years...then along came his baby boy cousin and he wasn't too thrilled about the whole situation. This photo was taken at the hospital the day little Coy was born. Nicholas stayed right with me until he finally fell asleep on my lap. He didn't want Grandma to hold the new baby.

There have been times when we get into a little trouble at Grandma's house...like the time I was on the phone trying to make a doctor's appointment. This is what I found when I finished my phone call. The day before, because he had been so good, he was allowed to choose a treasure from the treasure box at school.
He chose a stamper with blue ink.

Nicholas is four and a half now...and he doesn't let you forget that "half" part. This photo was taken on his fourth birthday. Isn't he handsome?!
...and growing up so quickly!

I'll be sharing more of Nicholas on Friday's to come, because he's my buddy!

Tell us about your family with photos from your family album. Just post your photo or photos on your blog, refer back to this blog, then come back here and add your name and blog URL address to Mr. Linky below.

Thank you for visiting today!

~Family Photo from 1914~

2009-05-21T20:56:00.009-04:00

Welcome to Favorite Family Foto Friday! If you would like to share one of you favorite family photos,old or new, just post it to your blog, then come back here and sign up with Mr. Linky below. A reference back to this blog wouold be greatly appreciated and will direct your readers to other bloggers sharing their photos.

My picture for this week was taken during the summer of 1914 in Graham, Kentucky - most likely in July or August of that year. The woman holding the two babies is my great grandmother, Susanna. She arrived in this country in 1881 from County Durham, England. The two babies are her grandsons, my father and his twin brother. This is the first photo of the two boys that I know of. I've never found out for sure who the other children are.

2009-05-14T21:00:00.005-04:00

As you read this, I am in Key West! We had to be at the airport at 5:00 A.M. this past Tuesday morning - that meant being up at 4:00 A.M...and I am NOT a morning person! You can bet that I was grumpy that whole day! We flew to Miami, picked up a car and drove to Key West, stopping at the other Keys along the way. We'll be home Monday night, the 18th.

I wanted to share these photos of our "Blue Ridge" boys that daughter mailed to us just before we left on our trip. These two grandsons live in Virginia, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. They live about three hours from us, but I miss them like they live across the country.

These are my favorite family photos for this week. They were taken in April. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

This is our Coy. He'll be three years old in August. Notice how he is 'loving' the duckling? Last year, at the photographer's studio, he threw one! His mommy had to leave the room - she couldn't watch.

Our Andrew will be one year old next month! Looks like he's saying, "Mommy, what are those?"...isn't he sweet?!

Our 'Blue Ridge' boys...I love them bunches and bunches!

Please join me and others as we share our family photos each Friday. Just add your name and blog URL address below AFTER you have added your photo on YOUR blog. Please refer back to this post so that your readers can enjoy all the other blogger's photos.

I know you will enjoy visiting everyone on the list below! See y'all soon!

~I'll Be Away For Awhile!

2009-05-11T21:57:00.004-04:00

I'm flying to Miami at 6:45 tomorrow morning...have to get up at 4:00! It's going to be a long day! We're picking up a car and driving down to Key West for a week.
I hope you enjoy this video while I'm away and please come back Friday for Favorite Family Foto day! If you would like to participate, please come by on Thursday at 9:00 or after to sign up with Mr. Linky.

The music is None but the Lonely Heart by Tchaikovsky.

~A little light on Pink~

2009-05-09T01:16:00.003-04:00

Due to something that came up, I didn't get to create a new Pink Saturday post for today, so I'm sharing a previous one with you and hope you will enjoy it again.

Candles tend to light up an evening with softness and romance and as we know it adds to the loveliness of us ladies, even as can the color pink. My candelabra was found in SUZANNA'S treasure trove of antiques and shabby goods. It came complete with melted down pink candles - ready to add ambiance and atmosphere to my home.

My darling teacup nightlight with the pink silicone bulb was made by Janet at SHABBYFUFU. She calls these teacup lights NIGHTTEAS. You can find them on her gorgeous website .

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!

2009-05-07T21:00:00.000-04:00

I love you.
You don't know how much I miss you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please join us each Friday as we share a favorite family photo. Post your photo on your blog,
then return here to add your name and your blog's URL address below.
Please refer back to here in your post so others can share their photos.

Get Those Pictures Out Of The Attic!

2009-05-06T21:11:00.004-04:00

Do you know what happens right here every Friday? We have a family album party! Yep, several of us get our albums from the attic, from under the bed, from the back of the closet, download recent photos from our cameras or get out there and take that special family picture just to share with us on Fridays.

Won't you join us? After you've posted your picture or pictures on YOUR blog, come on back here around 9:00 PM Thursday night and enter your name and your blog's URL address in the place provided. Check out my previous Favorite Family Foto Friday posts to see how we do it. Be sure to invite your friends to my place - we would love to share with them!

~Parade Pink!~

2009-05-02T00:01:00.006-04:00

We went to Myrtle Beach last week just in time for the 15th annual Society of Stranders parade. What? Various clubs from the 'Grand Strand' and from around the state hold shagging competitions and a parade to celebrate. I think everyone in North and South Carolina, for sure, knows what shagging is.You'll see an example in this video. There are shaggers across the United States, but I think only on the east coast you will see it danced to great beach music.

Now here's where the pink comes in...I spotted these two pink cars in the parade and just had to put them in my Pink Saturday post. Aren't they the cutest?!

Check out the back of the VW...see the wind-up key?
Most Carolina girls know how to shag. I shagged in my younger days in high school. After last week, I feel like taking it up again...if these old legs would let me!

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!

~Images from the Past~

2009-04-30T20:45:00.005-04:00

This Friday, I'll show you my great-grandparents on my father's side of the family.

Don't they look to be straight out of a old western?

Thomas Andrew White and Sarah Jane Hartis

This is where Thomas (1838-1918) and Sarah Jane (1843-1912) lived in Rochester, Kentucky. This looks like another scene from an old movie - complete with the blacksmith shop.

Thomas died from heart failure. Sarah Jane died from food poisoning.
I visited Rochester. Of course, the old house was gone, but I did get to see their gravesite in an old cemetery up on a hill under an very large magnolia tree.

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If you have a family photo that you would like to share, post your photo on your own blog and come back here and just add your name and blog URL address below.

An important note on this May 1st...One of my very 'bestest' blogger friends and her husband have been married
twenty-one years today!
CLAUDIE AND RANDY
I love you!

Stop by Bubblin' Over and give them some love!

~SHOW US YOUR FAMILY ALBUM~

2009-04-29T21:24:00.007-04:00

Heirlooms by Amy Grant

"Up in the attic,
Down on my knees.
Lifetimes of boxes,
Timeless to me.
Letters and photographs,
Yellowed with years,
Some bringing laughter,
Some bringing tears.
Time never changes,
The memories, the faces
Of loved ones, who bring to me,
All that I come from,
And all that I live for,
And all that Im going to be.
My precious family
Is more than an heirloom to me."

Each Friday, right here on Pictures, Pots and Pens, you can join the fun of sharing your family photos and family memories. We would love to get to know your family and take a peek into your family album. New photos, old photos...we love them all!

On Thursday evenings, around 9:00 pm, Mr. Linky will appear on my blog. After posting your family photo on your blog, come back and give Mr. Linky your name and your blog URL address. Please include my blog address on your photo post.

My readers will see your name and pay a visit to you. You'll make new friends and get to share your most favorite family photos.

You can check my previous Favorite Family Foto posts and those of other bloggers.

We hope you will join us!!

Our Azaleas - 2009

2009-04-25T03:00:00.001-04:00

It seems it's a good year for our azaleas.
The pinks are especially beautiful!

Click below to visit our lovely hostess, Beverly, to see others who have lovely pinks today.

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!

~Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Petee~

2009-04-23T20:45:00.001-04:00

My family photo this Friday is that of my maternal great-great-grandparents, Mary and Samuel, on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

From a 1920 Toledo, Ohio newspaper:
"GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRANTS CLING TO OLD-STYLE DANCING
"Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Petee, observing their golden wedding anniversary, endorse the old-fashioned dancing steps. Though not prejudiced against the 1920 style of cavorting, these Toledo residents insist that jazz never can win them over. "The old turns and glides have helped to keep us young," they testify. Mr. Petee is 76 and his wife 74. Of ten children, four are living. They attended a celebration Sunday in the home of a daughter, Mrs. George Hogel. There are five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Petee were married in Flint, Michigan (1870) and have been living in Toledo forty years."

This was to be their last anniversary. Samuel died later that same year, Mary died nine years later. To my grandmother, my mother and her brothers and sisters, they were known as "Mémé" and "Pépé" - French for one's own grandma and granddad.

I hope you've enjoyed my photo for this week as well as those past.

If you are one who appreciates family photos and what they can mean to future generations, please join us.

Post your family photo, old or new, on your blog, then come back here and enter your name and blog URL address below. This will be an invitation to others to visit you and comment on your photo.

To the sun, sand and sea...

2009-04-21T22:00:00.006-04:00

...I go!

Jesse Wilcox Smith

I will return in just a few days, hopefully relaxed and with a renewed energy.

"Give me sun, sand, sea,
and whatever else any day!"
Michelle Clack

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Favorite Family Foto Friday will go on as usual this week.

I will schedule my post with Mr. Linky for Thursday at 9:00 pm.

Anyone interested in participating, please enter your name and blog's URL on that post.

~Corps de Ballet~

2009-04-18T03:00:00.000-04:00

This Saturday I wanted to show you this pink ballerina. She was to be used as a door draft blocker, but I thought her too pretty to be used for that. This doll is actually my daughter's, given to her by her great aunt who was a dancer. Since Leah has two little boys, she can't use this in her home, so here it is at Mama's.

I've always loved ballerinas both on stage and in art. The one below is "Dancers in Pink", 1876. It was painted by one of my favorite ballerina painters, Edgar Degas.

Another of my favorite ballerina painters is my artist cousin, Rhonda Hartis Smith Please take a minute to visit her and look midway down her sidebar to see her "Beautiful Ballerinas" slideshow.

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!

"Two Dollar or Six Dollar Weddin'..."

2009-04-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

That's the question being pondered by my cousin "Lil Abner" and my cousin "Marryin' Sam" in a Broadway Musical Summer Stock presentation of "Lil Abner". The two are cousins also - not brothers. This photo was taken from a newspaper many, many years ago.

This is my favorite family photo for this Friday. There are other great bloggers who are sharing their favorite photos today. You will find a list of them below.

If you would like to join us, just add your name and blog URL to Mr. Linky. Please do that only after you have posted your family photo. Please remember to link back to my blog.

Favorite Family Foto Friday

2009-04-09T23:00:00.018-04:00

I am back to Blogland after being out of town for several days, then with grandchildren for a week. I have a lot to catch up on before leaving again in a couple of weeks.

To make it easier for all of us, I've decided to let Mr. Linky help me with Favorite Family Foto Friday. Anyone who would like to participate by showing their family photo, please see Mr. Linky below and give him your name and blog address after you have posted your family photo and he will direct others to your place.

I thought I would show you just a few photos from this past week. The first photo is grandson Andrew with his big cousin, our granddaughter Kathryn. My daughter, Laura, took this with her cellphone camera. Kathryn was such a big help with Andrew, feeding him, playing with him and cuddling him to sleep. This is our daughter who came over to help out some. She's holding Andrew and beside her is Kathryn. In front are Nicholas and Coy.
The boys were so happy to see their mommy
(our daughter Leah) upon her return.

All in all it was a very good week. I have some rest to catch up on, but the memories made outweighs my aching back and the boy's dirty diapers.

Now we want to see your family photos, so add your name and blog address here.

1. Sherrie
2. Angela
3. Diane
4. Claudie
5. Malisa

6. Classy Chassy
7. Schotzy
8. Montee
9. Jeanne
10. Teresa

11. Deborah
12. Sue Jackson
13. Marjorie...Molly
14. Vanessa

2009-04-06T10:25:00.001-04:00

2009-03-31T23:35:00.013-04:00

A very busy couple of weeks are keeping me from my friends here in Blogland. Having returned from a five day trip to Pennsylvania, I've had only two days to regroup and get ready to take care of some precious children.

They will arrive today!
No, not that many!

I'll be taking care of two little boys - Coy age two and Andrew, ten-months old. Now, that could feel like a whole bunch of little ones. However, just two of our grandsons will be coming from Virginia for six days while Mommy and Daddy take a little vacation of their own.

This will be the first time our two youngest grandchildren have come for a visit without their parents. Am I up for this? Granted, I'm not as young as I once was, but I think I'll be okay with all those diapers and getting up during the night and potty training and fishing toys out of the potty...yes, Daughter tells me that's what the younger one does now - throws his toys in the big 'potty'.

To add to the fun, our other two grandchildren will be here at times. Nicholas, age four, is normally with me two days a week while not at his pre-school and then there is Kathryn, age six - she is tracked out of year round school at this time and will be here while their mommy works.

Soooooo, what can I say? I will miss you all until next week.
I will need to give my undivided attention to these little ones...and I will LOVE IT!

I would like to remind you that many of my friends will be posting their family photos this Friday. Please don't forget them!

I will not have time to post an up-to-date list of their links, so please just visit these bloggers from our past Favorite Family Foto Fridays. Whether they are sharing their photos or not this week, you will love their blogs.

SHEILA at Sheila's Scrapbook

CLAUDIE at Bubblin' Over

ANGELA at West Virginia Treasures

LORETTA at Short and Sweet

JEANNE at Backyard Neighbor

SHERRIE at Sherrie's Stuff

MOLLY at Molly's Country Memories Home

MONTEE at Palmetto Girl

ANN at Life at Ann's Place

MALISA at Moonlight Hollow

ANGELA at Miss Molly Cottage

CAROLYN at Wings of Eagles

TARA at Life As It Is

APRIL at Straight From the Heart

CLASSY CHASSY at Expressly Corgi

SUE at Just Practicing Random Acts of Kindness

Until next week!
~ and if you don't hear from me then,
I'll be resting!!

Welcome Spring!

2009-03-20T08:36:00.013-04:00

Well, Spring of 2009 came in like a lion. Now, wasn't March supposed to go out like a lamb? I think so! However, at our home it went out with a bang! We were outside filling the bird feeders when a ferocious wind blew in and we heard bangs and booms - that's when we lost power - just after dinner. Not quite sure when it came back on. Today we have cooler temperatures, but a lot of sunshine. Tomorrow morning could be down to 32 degrees. Makes me wonder what this Spring will bring.

I usually schedule Friday's post in advance, but, because of our power outage, I'm just posting my family photo for this week.

This fun photo is my maternal grandmother Clara, my granddaddy Kelsey and my great-aunt Helen. It was taken shortly before my grandparents were married in 1917. Only remembering my grandparents when they were 'old' to me, it's hard to think of them having fun and being daring as they are here on a railway coal car.

My friends have posted family photos from their family albums. Spring on over to see what they have to show you!

SHEILA at Sheila's Scrapbook

CLAUDIE at Bubblin' Over

ANGELA at West Virginia Treasures

LORETTA at Short and Sweet

JEANNE at Backyard Neighbor

SHERRIE at Sherrie's Stuff

MOLLY at Molly's Country Memories Home

MONTEE at Palmetto Girl

ANN at Life at Ann's Place

MALISA at Moonlight Hollow

ANGELA at Miss Molly Cottage

CAROLYN at Wings of Eagles

TARA at Life As It Is

APRIL at Straight From the Heart

CLASSY CHASSY at Expressly Corgi

SUE at Just Practicing Random Acts of Kindness

Thank you so much for visiting us this Friday.
Come join us!
We would love to see your photos!

2009-03-15T10:19:00.006-04:00

“The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

~BABY DOLL PINKS~

2009-03-14T00:01:00.003-04:00

Some of my doll collection - the ones dressed in pink, of course. I love dolls, but I don't buy them any longer...although it's very tempting to do so...just not enough room for them.

HAPPY PINK SATURDAY TO YOU ALL!